**staigermanus:
**I think Carrara and C4D are getting closer to each other as far as quality goes. Both also have the ability for a user to make plug-ins.  Carrara doesn't seem to have the acceptance of the 'elite' however that C4D does - In the long run that is worth considering.

Truespace is almost as confusing as blender but I've used early versions of it without too much problem.

Lightwave Maya and 3ds - no thanks and it ain't just the price. their interface sucks and you need a supercomputer just to keep them from crashing  ... and if I ever landed a job where one of those were required (a batman's chance in Antartica, that) I'd definately have my hand out for my boss to pay for them, a supercomputer and a few lessons; else to shake his hand goodbye.   

-TJ (and remember, "Just say no to Rhino" ! ! ! )